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6 ways to enter

Ireland visas

Ireland work visa

Ireland lists short stay and long stay work visas. The right option depends on the work, permit or approval involved.

Ways to get a Ireland work visa

  1. Long stay Employment Visa

    Visa needed

    Holders of a qualifying employment permit from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation.

    Entries
    Single or multiple entry.
    Fee
    €60 for single entry; €100 for multiple entry. Fee exemptions apply.
    1. Hold a qualifying employment permit.
    2. Apply at an Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
    3. Submit fingerprints if you are aged 6 or over and live in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria or Pakistan.

  2. Short stay Employment Visa

    Visa needed

    Travellers with approval from the Atypical Working Scheme Division of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

    Entries
    Single or multiple entry.
    Fee
    €60 for single entry; €100 for multiple entry. Fee exemptions apply.
    1. Hold approval under the Atypical Working Scheme.
    2. Apply at an Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
    3. Submit fingerprints if you are aged 6 or over and live in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria or Pakistan.

  3. Scientific Researcher Visa

    Visa needed

    Researchers coming to carry out research under a hosting agreement.

    Entries
    Single or multiple entry.
    Fee
    €60 for single entry; €100 for multiple entry. Fee exemptions apply.
    1. Have a hosting agreement for the research.
    2. Apply at an Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
    3. Submit fingerprints if you are aged 6 or over and live in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria or Pakistan.

  4. Employment Van der Elst Visa

    Visa needed

    Non-European Union citizens employed in another European Union country who provide temporary services in Ireland on behalf of their employer.

    Entries
    Single or multiple entry.
    Fee
    €60 for single entry; €100 for multiple entry. Fee exemptions apply.
    1. Apply at an Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
    2. Submit fingerprints if you are aged 6 or over and live in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria or Pakistan.

  5. Internship Visa

    Visa needed

    Travellers coming for an internship who need an Irish entry visa.

    Entries
    Single or multiple entry.
    Fee
    €60 for single entry; €100 for multiple entry. Fee exemptions apply.
    1. Apply at an Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
    2. Submit fingerprints if you are aged 6 or over and live in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria or Pakistan.

  6. Join Ship Visa

    Visa needed

    Seafarers who want to join a vessel departing from Ireland.

    Entries
    Single or multiple entry.
    Fee
    €60 for single entry; €100 for multiple entry. Fee exemptions apply.
    1. Apply at an Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
    2. Submit fingerprints if you are aged 6 or over and live in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria or Pakistan.

Who needs it

Travellers coming for work who need an Irish entry visa must apply for the appropriate work visa before travelling.

Who doesn't

Entry visa exemptions apply to qualifying travellers. European Economic Area and Swiss citizens have free movement rights.

How to apply

  1. Hold the permit or approval required for your work visa type.
  2. Apply at an Irish embassy or consulate before travelling.
  3. Submit fingerprints if you are aged 6 or over and live in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria or Pakistan.

What to bring

  • For a long stay Employment Visa: the relevant employment permit.

Good to know

  • Short stay employment requires approval under the Atypical Working Scheme.
  • Separate visa options cover scientific research, temporary services, internships and joining a ship.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Ireland?

Travellers coming for work who need an Irish entry visa must apply for the appropriate work visa before travelling. Entry visa exemptions apply to qualifying travellers. European Economic Area and Swiss citizens have free movement rights.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Ireland?

There are 6 options: Long stay Employment Visa (a visa from an embassy); Short stay Employment Visa (a visa from an embassy); Scientific Researcher Visa (a visa from an embassy); Employment Van der Elst Visa (a visa from an embassy); Internship Visa (a visa from an embassy); Join Ship Visa (a visa from an embassy).

How much does a Ireland work visa cost?

€60 for single entry; €100 for multiple entry. Fee exemptions apply.

What documents do I need for a Ireland work visa?

For a long stay Employment Visa: the relevant employment permit..

How do I apply for a Ireland work visa?

1. 1. Hold the permit or approval required for your work visa type. 2. 2. Apply at an Irish embassy or consulate before travelling. 3. 3. Submit fingerprints if you are aged 6 or over and live in China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria or Pakistan.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Ireland?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Ireland visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Ireland be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Ireland work visa rules?

On Ireland's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Ireland?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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